A tingling sensation in your lower leg can feel unsettling, especially when it happens repeatedly or without a clear reason. Many people describe it as pins and needles, mild numbness, buzzing, or a faint electric sensation. While occasional tingling may be harmless, frequent or persistent symptoms can be your body’s way of signaling an underlying issue.
Understanding what causes tingling in the lower leg can help you decide when it’s nothing to worry about—and when it may be time to seek medical guidance.
What Does Tingling in the Lower Leg Feel Like?
Tingling can show up in different ways depending on the cause. Some people notice a light prickling sensation, while others experience numbness, burning, or a vibrating feeling beneath the skin. The sensation may come and go or become more noticeable after certain activities.
You might find that tingling worsens:
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After long periods of standing or sitting
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Toward the end of the day
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While lying down or trying to sleep
When tingling resolves quickly after moving or changing positions, it’s often temporary. If it returns frequently or lasts longer, it may be related to circulation or nerve health.
Common Causes of Tingling in the Lower Leg
Poor Circulation
Reduced blood flow is a common cause of tingling in the lower leg. When circulation is compromised, nerves and tissues may not receive enough oxygen, which can lead to abnormal sensations. Poor circulation is often associated with prolonged sitting or standing, smoking, obesity, and underlying vein conditions.
Tingling caused by circulation issues may occur alongside symptoms such as leg heaviness, aching, or swelling.
Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI)
Chronic venous insufficiency occurs when the valves in the leg veins stop working properly, allowing blood to pool instead of flowing back toward the heart. As pressure builds within the veins, nearby nerves can become irritated.
People with CVI may experience:
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Tingling or numbness in the lower legs
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Swelling around the ankles or calves
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A heavy, aching, or throbbing sensation
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Symptoms that worsen throughout the day
Because CVI is progressive, early symptoms like tingling are often overlooked.
Nerve-Related Conditions
Nerve compression or damage can also cause tingling in the lower leg. This may stem from issues in the lower back or along the nerve pathways that travel into the legs. Conditions such as sciatica, peripheral neuropathy, or a pinched nerve can disrupt normal nerve signaling.
Nerve-related tingling often:
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Feels sharp, burning, or electric
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Radiates down the leg
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Follows a specific path rather than staying localized
Sitting or Standing Too Long
Temporary tingling can occur when nerves or blood vessels are compressed due to body position. Sitting cross-legged, standing still for extended periods, or remaining seated during long flights or car rides can all trigger this sensation.
In these cases, tingling typically improves once you move, stretch, or change positions.
Vitamin Deficiencies
Certain vitamin deficiencies—particularly vitamin B12—can affect nerve health and lead to tingling in the legs. When the body lacks essential nutrients, nerve signaling may become impaired.
Tingling related to vitamin deficiencies may be accompanied by:
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Fatigue
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Balance issues
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Muscle weakness
A blood test can help determine whether a deficiency is contributing to symptoms.
More Serious Circulation Conditions
In less common cases, tingling in the lower leg may be linked to serious vascular conditions such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or peripheral artery disease (PAD). These conditions usually present with additional warning signs and require immediate medical attention.
Seek care right away if tingling occurs with:
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Sudden swelling
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Warmth or redness in the leg
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Severe or worsening pain
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Skin discoloration
Can Vein Disease Cause Tingling in the Legs?
Yes, vein disease can contribute to tingling sensations in the legs. When blood flow becomes inefficient and pressure builds in the veins, surrounding nerves may become irritated. Early symptoms of vein disease are often subtle and may include tingling, heaviness, or fatigue before visible vein changes appear.
Identifying vein disease early can help prevent symptoms from worsening and reduce the risk of complications.
What Should You Do If You Have Tingling in Your Lower Leg?
If tingling persists, simple lifestyle changes may help improve circulation and reduce symptoms. Staying active, avoiding prolonged sitting or standing, and elevating your legs when resting can all support healthier blood flow. In some cases, compression stockings may be recommended.
If a vein issue is suspected, a provider will typically begin with a physical exam and a review of symptoms and medical history. A non-invasive ultrasound is commonly used to evaluate blood flow and check for venous insufficiency or other circulation problems. This helps determine whether vein disease may be contributing to tingling in the lower leg.
Talk to a Vein Specialist About Your Symptoms
Tingling in your lower leg isn’t always serious, but ongoing or unexplained symptoms deserve attention. At USA Vein Clinics, specialists evaluate circulation-related causes of leg discomfort using non-surgical, minimally invasive diagnostic tools.
Understanding what’s behind your symptoms is an important first step. Scheduling a consultation can help determine whether vein disease may be contributing to your tingling and what treatment options are available.
